“I didn’t think I’d ever feel this again…”
That USC women’s basketball magic from the Cheryl Miller, Lisa Leslie, and Tina Thompson days. But Lindsey Gottlieb is building something powerful in L.A. again — and watching Saniyah Hall commit sent chills down my spine.
USC’s Future Just Became Terrifying — And It Feels Like the Glory Days Are Coming Back
When the No. 1 player in the 2026 class, Saniyah Hall, chose USC, it wasn’t just a recruiting win — it was a confirmation of something special. Hall becomes Lindsey’s third No. 1 recruit in five years (following JuJu Watkins and Jazzy Davidson), and alongside Kennedy Smith, she completes a core that looks built for dominance. In a city that birthed legends, this recruiting wave feels like a return to true greatness.
Breaking Down Saniyah Hall: The Complete Player Profile
High School Brilliance
Started at Laurel School (OH): freshman averaged 20.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 4.2 SPG, 2.6 APG; by sophomore year up to 25.5 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.4 SPG, 3.0 APG.
Transferred to Montverde Academy, a national power: junior season averages were 20.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.8 SPG, and 1.4 BPG, earning MaxPreps National Junior of the Year and first-team All‑American honors
International Pedigree: U19 USA Basketball, MVP
At the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, Hall started all seven games for Team USA and delivered tourney-best performances:
19.9 PPG (a U.S. U19 single‑tournament record), 6.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.9 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Shot 52.6% FG, 39.3% 3PT, 82.4% FT
Efficiency rating of 24.0 per game, and in the gold-medal final posted 25 pts, 9 reb, 7 assist, 2 blk.
Named Most Valuable Player of the tournament and selected to the All‑Star Five
Why Hall Is a Game-Changer for USC
Hall brings elite efficiency and versatility. Her U19 performance shows she doesn’t need volume to dominate: efficient shooting, playmaking, defensive impact, and unmatched instincts. Paired with JuJu Watkins’ scoring, Jazzy Davidson’s IQ, and Kennedy Smith’s lockdown defense, Hall transforms USC into a full-spectrum nightmare.
Lindsey Gottlieb: Master Architect of a New USC Powerhouse
Lindsey’s first five years at USC:
Year 1 (2021–22): Rebuild season—setting foundation.
Year 2 (2022–23): Loaded transfer crop (8–9 players) brings USC back to NCAA Tournament.
Year 3 (2023–24): JuJu and the Ivies arrive—Elite Eight berth.
Year 4 (2024–25): Even after JuJu’s ACL tear, another Elite Eight.
Year 5 (2025–26): Big Ten debut without JuJu, still a threat, but still disrespected.
Year 6 (2026–27): The Core Four—JuJu, Jazzy, Kennedy, and Hall—on one roster.
That’s not just progression. That’s a dynasty takeoff.
For L.A., This Is About More Than Winning
USC has always had legends—Cheryl Miller, Lisa Leslie, Tina Thompson, Michael Cooper, Cynthia Cooper—who made a cultural mark. Now, Hall’s arrival rings like a trumpet call back to those glory years. Lindsey isn’t just winning games; she’s rebuilding a legacy in a city that craves dominant women’s hoops again.
Recruiting Amid Doubts — Hall Solidifies It
When assistant coach Wendale Farrow left for South Carolina, tongues wagged that USC’s recruiting would falter. But Hall’s choice shows the power lies in Lindsey’s leadership and culture, not in any single assistant. This is a program defined by coaching vision and player trust.
Final Word
In her short career, Saniyah Hall has shown elite production, efficiency, and two-way impact—from high school dominance to U19 MVP glory. Add her to JuJu, Jazzy, and Kennedy, and USC enters a new era: not just contenders, but proponents of excellence. For the first time in a generation, USC women’s basketball feels like it’s not just back — it's transcending history.
Question for Readers:
When Hall, JuJu, Jazzy, and Kennedy finally take the floor together, will USC become the gold standard in women’s basketball — bridging Cheryl Miller’s legacy with a new dynasty for L.A.?
